Mercedes-Benz introduces its first-ever Plug-In Hybrid for India in the new S-Class:

S 450e PHEV is the most advanced S-Class ever, setting new benchmarks in automotive excellence in India’s Top-end Luxury Segment

More than 50 per cent of the S-Class, comprising over 2,700 components, has been newly developed, updated or refined — the most comprehensive update within a single S-Class generation

S 450e PHEV delivers 320 kW (435 hp) and 680 Nm combined output, with around 115 km
of pure electric range

“The S-Class embodies Mercedes-Benz’s extraordinary legacy of timeless luxury, setting the global benchmark for automotive excellence. In India, it leads the top-end luxury segment and redefines customer aspiration — with serene first-class comfort in every seat, sublime driving, quiet strength and safety, unparalleled presence and personalisation, and an intuitive digital experience powered by MB.OS. With more than 2,700 new and updated components, the new S-Class enhances comfort, safety, digital experience and refinement to become the most advanced S-Class ever. We are confident it will exceed customer expectations and carry the S-Class legacy forward in India.”   

 

“Mercedes-Benz follows a flexible, powertrain-agnostic strategy, and bringing a PHEV to the S-Class for the first time in India reflects exactly that. There is growing demand for a plug-in hybrid among our top-end customers, and the S 450 e PHEV answers it directly. With ICE, BEV and PHEV powertrains now in our line-up, customers have the flexibility to choose the one that suits them best.”        

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India

• S 450 e is Mercedes-Benz’s first-ever PHEV in the flagship S-Class in India
• New S-Class: over 2,700 components new or revised, including MB.OS operating system, new twin-star DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps with micro-LED technology and around 40% larger high-beam projection (up to 600 m), and a 20% larger illuminated grille
• S 450 e: 320 kW (435 hp) and 680 Nm combined system output; around 115 km pure electric range (WLTP)
• 0–100 km/h in 5.7 seconds; electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h
• AIRMATIC air suspension and rear-axle steering (4.5° standard, upgradeable to 10°) standard on S 450 e
• For the first time in India, the S450e will have 15 airbags.
• Bookings for the New S 450e begins today with deliveries scheduled from Q4 2026
• Price of the New S 450e Launch Edition is Rs. 2.20 Cr. and the price of the New S 450e MANUFAKTUR Edition begins from Rs. 2.38 Cr. (both prices ex-showroom, all-India)

 

Mumbai: India’s most desirable luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India today, launched its first-ever Plug-In-Hybrid in the flagship S-Class — the S 450 e Launch Edition. This represents a new chapter in Mercedes-Benz’s powertrain-agnostic strategy by offering a world-class PHEV, bringing the quiet capability of electric mobility to India’s top-end luxury limousine segment. The S 450 e is refined in every detail, delivering the most comprehensive update in a S-Class in a single generation ever, with over 2,700 components new or revised.

A New Standard for Electrified Luxury

At the heart of the S 450 e is the updated 3.0-litre M256 Evo inline-six turbo-petrol engine, now Euro 7 compliant, producing 326 hp and 540 Nm on its own. Integrated with a 120 kW (163 hp) synchronous electric motor positioned between the engine and the 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, the combined system delivers 320 kW (435 hp) and 680 Nm of torque — making the S 450 e more powerful than the petrol S 450 4MATIC, which produces 280 kW (381 hp) and 500 Nm.

115 Kms of electric range:

The S 450 e’s 22 kWh lithium-ion battery provides a pure electric range of around 115 km (WLTP) — sufficient for most urban commutes in India’s major cities without engaging the combustion engine. The drivetrain continuously alternates between electric and combustion power during everyday driving, with the transition imperceptible to occupants. For longer journeys, the petrol engine is available on demand, eliminating range concerns entirely.

The S 450 e accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Unlike most S-Class variants, the S 450 e is rear-wheel drive only — a configuration that prioritises rear passenger refinement and contributes to the car’s distinctive character among the S-Class family.

The Most Extensively Updated S-Class in History

The 2026 S-Class extends well beyond the powertrain. The front receives new twin-star DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps featuring innovative micro-LED technology, delivering a high-beam illumination field approximately 40% larger than the previous generation, with ULTRA RANGE high beam projecting up to 600 metres ahead. The radiator grille has grown by around 20% and is now illuminated, accented with redesigned three-dimensional chrome stars. At the rear, newly designed tail-lamps with three chrome-framed signature stars reinforce the S-Class identity.

MB.OS in the New S-Class:

An intuitive and state-of-the-art system, the purpose-built Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) is the supercomputer behind the new S-Class, powering every domain and connecting all systems into one intelligent ecosystem.

 

MBUX Superscreen and latest MBUX:

The standard MBUX Superscreen and latest-generation MBUX bring the AI‑based “Hey Mercedes” MBUX Virtual Assistant with natural dialogue, an enhanced Zero Layer interface, MBUX Surround Navigation based on Google Maps to the S-Class, turning interaction into an intuitive, human-like experience.

Chassis and Ride:

AIRMATIC air suspension is standard on the S 450 e, as is rear-axle steering at 4.5 degrees. The steering can be upgraded to 10 degrees, which cuts the turning circle by almost two metres — making tight parking spaces, narrow hotel driveways and crowded city centres noticeably easier to navigate. Using Car-to-X information shared by other Mercedes-Benz vehicles through the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, the car prepares the suspension in advance for speed bumps and road imperfections.

 

Hallmark Safety:

Safety remains a hallmark of the new S-Class, with intelligent protection for every seat. It continues Mercedes-Benz’s safety leadership through an enhanced adaptive restraint system, including PRE-SAFE® Impulse belt pretensioners and up to 15 airbags.

Technical Specifications: S 450 e:

Specification	S 450 e
Engine	3.0-litre M256 Evo inline-6 turbo-petrol
Combustion Engine Output	326 hp / 540 Nm
Electric Motor Output	120 kW (163 hp) / 440 Nm
System Output (Combined)	320 kW (435 hp) / 680 Nm
Transmission	9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic
Battery Capacity	22 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP)	Around 115 km
Drive Configuration	Rear-wheel drive
0–100 km/h	5.7 seconds
Top Speed	250 km/h (electronically limited)
Suspension	AIRMATIC air suspension (standard)
Rear-Axle Steering	4.5° standard / 10° optional

*Electric range is WLTP. Actual range may vary based on driving conditions, temperature, and usage.

Media Contact:

Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd.:

Shekhar Das Chowdhury | shekhar.daschowdhury@mercedes-benz.com

Rutuja Deshetti | rutuja.deshetti@mercedes-benz.com

 

Adfactors PR:

Chirag Bhanushali | +91 97695 21055 | chirag.bhanushali@adfactorspr.com

Priyanka Singh | +91 82911 38556 | priyanka.singh@adfactorspr.com

 

Mercedes-Benz anniversary year “140 years of innovation”

Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes‑Benz has dedicated itself to constantly innovate and to create the world’s most desirable cars for customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world’s first automobile in 1886 to today’s intelligent and safe electric vehicles, like the all-new GLC and the award-winning all-new CLA. With the new S-Class, the company continues the biggest product launch programme in its history. With its passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling that leads through everything Mercedes‑Benz does: Welcome home.

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by driving three new S-Class saloons on a trans-continental journey to 140 locations worldwide. Each place highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence. Along the way customers, fans and colleagues will get to join in the celebrations – on an epic adventure that will run until October. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” drive across six continents on our “140 years of innovation | Mercedes-Benz Media” special and via the Mercedes-Benz Community.

 

About Mercedes-Benz India:

Mercedes-Benz India pioneered the luxury car market in India, completing 30 years of Indian operations in 2024. Mercedes-Benz’s world-class production facility set up in 2009, is spread over 100 acres in Chakan near Pune. Mercedes-Benz India is part of Mercedes-Benz’s Global Production Network and plays an important role in the CKD production network. The production facility carries an investment of more than INR 3000 crores and has the largest installed production capacity for any luxury carmaker in India. Mercedes-Benz India has the largest luxury network spread amongst any luxury carmaker, with over 140 luxury touchpoints spread across 50+ cities. Through the exclusive AMG Performance Centres, Mercedes-Benz boasts of a strong AMG retail network presence in the country. Mercedes-Benz India has a robust product portfolio comprising the locally produced A-Class, C-Class, E-Class Long Wheelbase, S-Class, Mercedes Maybach S 580 limousine and the all-new V-Class, along with the electric vehicles– EQS 580 sedan, and EQS SUV 450. Mercedes-Benz is the only luxury brand to locally manufacture 2 BEVs in India. The ‘Made in India’ SUV range starts with the GLA, GLC, GLE, and GLS range of luxury SUVs. The Completely Built imported cars portfolio (CBU) includes the G 450d, GLS Maybach and the exciting AMG range comprising the AMG A 45 S to the AMG GT 63 S E-Performance. Mercedes-Benz also pioneered the luxury BEV segment in India and comprises a strong portfolio including the ‘Made in India’ EQS 580 sedan, EQS 580 SUV, EQS 450 SUV, Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV and G580 with EQ Technology. Mercedes-Benz India introduced the innovative customer-centric ‘direct to customer’ business model in India, as one of the first markets to rollout this business model, redefining customer experience.